IAN Caunce warmed up for his forthcoming encounters against the touring Australia Over 60s with a brilliant century for Oxfordshire.

Caunce’s unbeaten 110, which included five sixes, secured Oxon’s first success in the Seevant 60-Plus Championship as they beat Wales by five wickets at Challow & Childrey.

The visitors were pegged back by a stunning spell by Jim Blackford, who returned amazing figures of 9-8-1-1. But they still reached 197-7 from their 45 overs.

Thanks to Caunce, who has been picked to play for England against the Aussies in two weeks, Oxon got home easily.

With both Caunce and Blackford unavailable, Oxon lost by nine wickets to Gloucestershire in their next game.

Clive Ricks top-scored with 44 as Oxon recovered from 88-8 to 139.

But it was not nearly enough.

Oxon will be hoping to return to form, when they take on the Australian side in a one-day match at Aston Rowant today (Wednesday, 12.30).

Oxon team (v Australia Over 60s): A Wingfield Digby (capt), J Blackford, I Caunce, M Evans, J Lawton Smith, A Manger, S Partington, C Ricks, J Senior, D Watts, S Wilson.